My wife, Nancy, is known for her hugs. We have people in our life who when I run into them while traveling will say to me, “I need a Nancy hug” or “I could use a Nancy hug right now.” These hugs speak powerfully a message of love, compassion, and peace to the recipient of these hugs.
Several years ago, Nancy was at church and asked one of the leaders of the local church, “How are you doing today?” Tears formed in his eyes as he looked at Nancy and said, “Do you really want to know or are you just asking?” Nancy noted the emotion and the tone of his voice and responded, “I really want to know.” After a brief conversation and a “Nancy hug” the burden had been released and the relationship had been deepened.
We need fellowship with one another in our lives. The ability for us to gather remotely and online via the variety of platforms at our disposal can be valuable as a stopgap to meet with people over many miles, yet, one of the most important components of fellowship that is missing is the touch, the Word become Flesh. In Hebrews 10:25 we read, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (NLT).
One of the basics of our faith is the beauty of our fellowship with one another. We witness the power of the relational aspect of our lives as we gather in worship, Bible study, holy conversation, prayer, etc. When we neglect the fellowship, we miss the opportunity to hold one another up when we are hurting and to celebrate with one another when we share how God has blessed us.
This month, we are going to look deeper into the fellowship we are invited and encouraged to participate in as members of the Kingdom of God. I need Jesus. You need Jesus. I need You. You need Me. We need One Another.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for fellowship. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ who can hold one another up, celebrate with one another, and be a hug during the craziness of life. Help us step away from the busyness of life and into the life of fellowship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.